Carroll Bowl I Is Slated

WESTMINSTER — June 2 will be put-up-or-shut-up time for municipal leaders in Carroll.

On that day, the good-natured rivalries that exist among the county's eight municipalities will get a workout as Westminster officials host the "Town Games," a day of athletic competition and festivities. It probably won't be mistaken for the Olympics, but the games will feature teams of officials from each town competing in four sports.

Memorable performances should abound, said Mayor W. Benjamin Brown, who posed the idea to the council Monday. The mayor was confident the athletic superiority of Westminster teams will lead to dominationin all events.

"We are multitalented athletes," he said. "Other towns have older and more out-of-shape council members and mayors thanWestminster. It's going to be harder on them."

Councilmen, perhaps revealing their eagerness to square off against colleagues on the athletic field, quickly OK'd a resolution to organize the day of food,folks and fun.

The games kick off at 1:30 p.m., with competition in softball, volleyball, basketball and horseshoes, he said.

In softball, it will be Westminster against the world -- or at least the rest of Carroll. The Westminster squad takes on a team of members fromall other towns combined.

For the other sports -- basketball, volleyball and horseshoes -- each municipality is invited to field its own team. After athletic bragging rights are decided, the event will wind down with a picnic.

Of course, there is a practical purpose for the games, Brown said. The event is aimed at fostering cooperation and goodwill among Carroll's municipalities.

"We'd like to promotea feeling of togetherness with the other communities," the mayor said.

But you can be sure togetherness will be the last thing on the mind of Sykesville Mayor Lloyd R. Helt Jr., as he grits his teeth andsteps into the batter's box to take his best shot at the best knuckleball Brown can muster.

"I'll be available for victory interviews after the events," Brown said.